Want better projects? Start with your stakeholders📈

Read time: 3 minutes Words: 497

One bad decision, one mixed signal—and boom—your project is suddenly in trouble. After chatting with PMs, we found a major culprit: stakeholder misalignment. So, in this issue, we’re tackling that head-on. Plus:

• Free templates to help you manage your stakeholders better

• A free Excel project cost management template

• How understanding neuroscience can help you become a better PM

• AI prompts that PMs actually use

Want better project performance? Start with your stakeholders

Even experienced project managers struggle with stakeholder management. I mean, just take a look at all the questions PMs are constantly asking on Reddit 👇

• How do you handle difficult stakeholders who act as bottlenecks in project implementation?

• Why is it a requirement to build a relationship with stakeholders?

• How do you all handle well-meaning stakeholders with lots of suggestions?

• How do you manage stakeholders who are unclear about requirements?

It’s easy to get caught up in deliverables and deadlines and assume people are aligned…until they’re not. Managing your project stakeholders well can result in better project performance. Here is how + free stakeholder management templates to help you get there:

1. Clarity

Why it matters: Alignment avoids confusion and speeds up progress.
How to get it:

• Set expectations early

• Define roles clearly

• Host a kickoff with key stakeholders

• Align on project goals upfront

• Tip: Use a stakeholder map to identify who should be involved from the start.

2. Trust

Why it matters: Without trust, collaboration breaks down.
How to build it:

• Be transparent, especially during setbacks

• Deliver on your commitments

• Keep everyone informed with regular updates through your project management or other communication platform using this project status update template

• Listen actively and follow through

3. Engagement

Why it matters: Passive stakeholders = last-minute changes and misalignment.
How to drive it:

• Involve them early and often

• Ask for regular input

• Show how their feedback shapes the project

• Tip: Use 15-min check-ins or short surveys to keep feedback flowing.

4. Communication

Why it matters: It’s the thread that ties everything together.
How to improve it:

• Share updates early and often

• Address issues head-on

• Create space for open discussion

• Make communication a day-one priority

This month’s cant-miss resources:

📃 Free template -Project cost management template:  Easy forecasting with Excel’s OFFSET function

🎙Podcast vault - How can we use neuroscience to increase project performance? 
Mike Clayton’s Podcast

🗣 Discussions from Reddit - ChatGPT prompts project managers REALLY use

🗓Workshop - 10 AI prompts every PM needs @ 10th of April 2025,  6:00 pm GMT+2

Thank you for reading! See you next month

Think a friend or colleague would find this useful? Feel free to forward it!

Was this email forwarded to you? Subscribe here.